Unaccompanied Drivers & the Law

Unaccompanied Drivers & the Law
Unaccompanied Drivers & the Law
Under the Graduated Driver Licensing System in Ireland, learner drivers must always be accompanied by a fully qualified driver (not a novice).
Fixed charge and penalty point arrangements apply to learner drivers detected driving unaccompanied. In addition, penalties apply to the owner of a vehicle being driven by an unaccompanied learner driver.
Key points:
- A learner driver detected of driving unaccompanied faces an €80 fine and two penalty points if paid within 28 days, a €120 fine and two penalty points if paid within the next 28 days and €120 and four penalty points if convicted in court.
- A vehicle being driven by an unaccompanied learner driver can be detained by Gardaí.
- The owner of a vehicle who allows an unaccompanied learner or unlicensed driver to drive their vehicle is liable to have their vehicle seized by the Gardaí and could face a fine of up to €1,000.
A lower threshold of penalty points leading to disqualification will apply to any driver who is granted their first learner permit on or after 1 August 2014 while they drive under a learner permit, and subsequently during the first two years while they drive under their first full driving licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legislation relating to unaccompanied drivers?
Since December 2018 a learner driver who should be accompanied, but is driving unaccompanied, is liable to have their vehicle impounded. Where the unaccompanied learner is not the vehicle owner, the owner faces their vehicle being impounded and a fine of up to €1,000.
This is in addition to the penalties which applied prior to this change where an unaccompanied driver could incur up to four penalty points and face a fine up to €120. An accompanying driver must have held a full driving licence for the vehicle for at least two years.
Why was the law strengthened in relation to unaccompanied drivers ?
According to statistics, 35 of the 47 fatal crashes involving learner drivers between 2014 and 2017 involved unaccompanied drivers. That is a shockingly high statistic. These laws will act as a strong deterrent and force those who might consider lending their car irresponsibly to an unaccompanied learner to think more seriously about the consequences.
Who does unaccompanied driver legislation apply to?
Does the legislation apply to non-Irish licence holders?
Does this legislation apply to first time learner permit holders only?
What will happen if I am stopped by the Gardaí driving unaccompanied on a learner permit?
What if I have the permission of the car owner and I drive unaccompanied on a learner permit?
My car was impounded, and consent was not given by me for the learner driver to use my car, how do I get my car back?
What if I am driving to collect a driver with a full licence to accompany me?
I have done my driving test and failed and am waiting for another test appointment, can I drive unaccompanied?
If I have evidence of an upcoming driving test date, will that suffice?
Are there penalty points attached to this offence?
Is there an age limit on having to be accompanied by a qualified driver?
Is there a lead in time – to allow me to apply and sit my driving test and get my full licence?
If I have a full licence from a country that doesn’t have a licensing exchange agreement with Ireland and I have taken out a learner permit here to do my test does this law apply to me?
I only use my car for short journeys, does the law apply to me?
Why are these measures being described as the ‘Clancy Amendment’?
Complete the application form and include details of your driver number and post to:
The Driver Testing Section,
Road Safety Authority,
Moy Valley Business Park,
Primrose Hill,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo,
Eircode: F26 V6E4
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